Adult Education in the West Kootenays
Quick Links
Literacy
The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy is a non-profit organization that promotes literacy and lifelong learning for communities throughout British Columbia's Columbia Basin. CBAL offers programs for children, adults and families, including: English as a Second Language, Family Literacy, Adult/Workplace Literacy and Basic Computer Training. For information about programs available in your community go to: www.cbal.org
Education Options
The West Kootenays has some excellent schools and education programs. Another option is to get your education by distance. Schools such as Athabasca University, Thompson Rivers Open Learning, University of Victoria and others offer distance courses and programs. This broadens your options if moving to go to school isn't possible. If you are in the process of making a decision about what kind of education you want, it can be very helpful to access the counselors at Selkirk College or at the Kootenay Career Development Society.
Student Financial Aid
Everyone in Canada has the right to apply for a student loan and it is through loans that many people get their education. Payment does not have to be made on a loan until you are finished school, and then you can apply for interest relief until you have secure employment. If you want to find out if you are eligible for a student loan to attend university, college or a technical school, go to this link and you will hopefully find what you need.
www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentservices/welcome.htmor call 1-800-561-1818
Native Law Centre of Canada
The NLCC administers a program to prepare Aboriginal students for law school, this ensures success as well as provides an alternate means of entry to law school. They also administer scholarships and have a database of pleadings.
www.usask.ca/nativelawSelkirk College
Selkirk College has campuses in Castlegar, Nelson, Grand Forks, Kaslo, Nakusp and Trail. You can train in many professions such as nursing, music, forest conservation, social work, computer programming and much more. You can also obtain high school upgrading or university transfer courses in preparation for a degree through another institution.
The Aboriginal Program Advisor provides support to all prospective and current aboriginal students and works closely with staff, students and communities to enhance aboriginal learner's participation and success rate in Selkirk College programs. Services can include information, advocacy and support during the semester, assistance with the application process, help with funding, First Nations and Metis scholarship and bursary forms. www.selkirk.ca.
Go to www.selkirk.ca or call
Castlegar (250) 365-7292
Castlgar from Nelson free of charge (250) 352-3010
Nelson (250) 352-6601
Trail (250) 368-5236
Grand Forks (250) 442-2704
Kootenay School of the Arts
KSA is an excellent school set in the beautiful town of Nelson. They offer a three year diploma program in either clay, metal, wood product design, jewelry and small object design, and fibre. All students take the core courses such as design, drawing and professional practices (how to be in business as an artist).
www.ksac.bc.caNelson (250) 352-2821
Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences
"The Academy Of Classical Oriental Sciences offers Diploma programs in Traditional Chinese Medicine:
- 3-year Chinese Herbology
- 3-year Acupuncture
- 4-year Traditional Chinese Medicine
- 5-year Traditional Chinese Medicine
ACOS re-integrates TCM as taught in the People's Republic with a pre-cultural revolution, 400 year-old family tradition. Our programs include the acquisition of the Chinese language, which deepens the ability for students to understand and research TCM in its original world view. All components of TCM are covered through our programs, including:
- Acupuncture
- Moxibustion
- Tuina (massage)
- Taiji Quan
- Qigong/Daoyin
- Diet/Nutrition
- Herbology
- History/Philosophy
- Mental-Emotional Therapy and Counselling
A Western Medicine component also ensures capable communication with other health care professionals and meets the present requirements for licensing".
www.acos.orgNelson (250) 352-5887
Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
(KATI also offers an Aboriginal Student Liaison)
"The Kutenai Art Therapy Institute is dedicated to the belief that the creative process is healing and life enhancing. We offer a post-baccalaureate training program in Art Therapy, which integrates Art Therapy theory, practice and research. The Institute also offers Art Therapy groups as a community service and supports professional and community education in the Kootenays via Art Therapy conferences and workshops."
www.kati.kics.bc.caNelson (250) 352-2264